Subaru Outback revealed

Subaru is boasting a second world debut at the New York motor show! A day after the Japanese brand showed off its new Legacy, it has strengthened the range with this, the Outback.

It majors on practicality, with interior volume upped eight per cent over the outgoing car and a 2.8-inches longer wheelbase, yet it's shorter than the model it replaces. Ground clearance is also up at 8.7-inches and combined with the Subaru's famous symmetrical all-wheel drive, makes the Outback a true crossover. Front and rear overhangs have been kept as short as possible to make the car more agile and maneuverable when the going gets tough.

There's new double-wishbone rear suspension, which as well as sharpening up the dynamics, increases rear cargo space and boosts the car's load lugging ability further.

The 2010 Outback appears to have dropped the Legacy tag from its name, but shares that car's Boxer petrol engines – there's a four-cylinder 2.5i, with 168bhp and 230Nm, and a six-cylinder 3.6i with 252bhp and 335Nm. The latter comes with a five-speed automatic gearbox while the smaller engine has the option of a six-speed manual or the firm's new Lineartronic CVT transmission, which is said to help cut emissions and fuel consumption.

The new Outback is set to go on sale in the US in the summer, with UK sales likely to follow early in 2010. By that point it should gain Subaru's 2-litre Boxer diesel engine, which will grab the majority of sales here. Expect prices to start at around £25,000.